Chapter 151:
In the city of Lhasa, the capital of Tubo, inside the royal palace, Songtsan Gampo stared at the battle report in his hand, struggling to comprehend the situation for a long time. A mix of shock, fear, and relief flickered across his face like passing shadows.
My father-in-law has been defeated Songtsan Gampos expression twisted with anger. Just a few days ago, he had allied with over ten tribes. At that time, his spirits were high! The 150,000 troops stationed outside Song Zhou were Songtsan Gampos greatest source of confidence. It was all part of his plans with Lu Dongzan.
As long as Tubo could win against the Tang army once, Tubo would appear invincible. When the Tang dynasty recognized this and chose to engage in a full-scale war, Tubo could retreat to the plateau, benefiting from the Tangs resource depletion during mobilization. With the geographical advantage of the highlands, the Tang forces, however formidable, would be helpless. Plus, the tribes that had joined the alliance earlier would become part of Tubo.
This way, Tubos influence could expand northward, which was Songtsan Gampos minimal goal. If the Tang dynasty responded slowly, Tubo could easily unite with other tribes for a decisive invasion. If they negotiated another Treaty of Wei River, demanding land and compensation from the Tang, Tubo could achieve even greater heights. Songtsan Gampo and Lu Dongzan had placed Tubos fate on the line in this battle, and they never imagined they would fail.
How could they lose with 150,000 troops against 50,000 fatigued soldiers? The Tang army was undoubtedly formidable, but the Tang people were also human beings, possibly less physically fit than Tubo warriors. Three times the enemys troop count it seemed inconceivable to lose!
Songtsan Gampos only concern was that the Tang army would remain within their walls and not confront Tubos forces. However, this concern was unlikely to materialize. The Tang dynasty had never taken a passive defensive stance against foreign invasions. How could the proud Tang people tolerate Tubos provocation? Furthermore, the Tang Emperor would inevitably grow discontented if the situation continued.
The reason other tribes had been willing to align with Tubo stemmed from Tubos undeniable strength. While Tubo might not have been capable of defeating the Tang dynasty outright, their ability to threaten the Tang for months with a 200,000-strong army had not gone unnoticed. To outsiders, this demonstrated Tubos actual might and suggested that the Tang dynasty had reservations about confronting them.
Crucially, Tubo could mobilize 400,000 troops, whereas the entire Tang dynasty had around 600,000. In a genuine alliance with those tribal allies, their combined strength would surpass one million. With the right timing, they might even replicate the success of the Treaty of Wei River. Songtsan Gampos promises to these tribes had been logically compelling, making it easy for them to believe.
However, harsh reality had delivered a stark blow. Tubos 150,000-strong army had been decisively defeated by the Tang dynastys 50,000 weary soldiers. In this light, Songtsan Gampo admitted that were he the leader of another tribe. He would seriously consider switching allegiance to the Tang dynasty and striking against Tubo, a more reasonable course of action.
Fortunately, Tubo could withstand this setback. The Tang dynastys army would inevitably face altitude sickness upon entering the highlands, which meant Tubo wasnt in an unbearable situation. Songtsan Gampo had already devised Tubos next steps moments ago. All Tubo forces would retreat to the plateau, urgently conscript elite soldiers, and prepare for contingencies.
Furthermore, envoys would be sent immediately to the Tang dynasty to seek surrender. Given the Tang Emperors penchant for taking credit, sincere pleas for surrender would likely be pardoned generously. The natural barrier of the plateau would protect Tubo from destruction.
Although this ambitious gamble had failed, they would honestly rebuild their strength. Under Songtsan Gampos vigorous leadership, Tubo could regain its former glory within another thirty years. The Central Plains dynastys future was uncertain, and opportunities would always arise. Whether seized by him, his son, or his grandson, as long as the legacy continued through generations, they would eventually strive for control over the Central Plains.
Thinking along these lines, Songtsan Gampos mood couldnt help but slightly improve.
